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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Elevated Liver Enzymes
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Elevated Liver Enzymes
by pspow1965, Oct 20, 2003 12:00AM
In the last month, I have been diagnosed with Gurd (gerd), or Acid Reflux disease. Before having the surgery to dilate the esophogus, I was given some blood tests. The results were low iron and elevated liver enzymes. I have had slightly elevated liver enzymes in the past, but nothing that my regular OB seemed to think warranted further testing. I'm not sure what the numbers were this time, but my Dr. said that they were roughly 8 times the normal. I have had a full hepatitis blood workup and an ultrasound. The bloodwork came back negative for hepatitis and the unltrasound was normal. My doctor is sending me for more bloodwork tomorrow, (not sure what that's for). I do drink, however, I have cut back considerably, after all of this, but I did drink on average of about 3-4 beers per day. Now, I avg. about 8 beers a week, only on weekends. With the hepatitis profile coming back negative and the ultrasound normal, what do you think might be the cause, and does that mean that this might not be alcohol related? I have no problem with quitting all together, I'm just really curious if it is that or could be something else that is causing the elevated enzymes. I am 38 years old and don't have any symptoms to speak of.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Oct 22, 2003 12:00AM
, Oct 22, 2003 12:00AM
There are many causes for elevated liver enzymes. With a normal ultrasound and hepatitis panel, the next tests would be blood testing for hemochromatosis or Wilson's disease. I would also ensure that you are not taking any medications which can raise the liver enzymes.
Drinking alcohol at this stage would be a bad idea if there is no clear cause of the elevated enzymes. If there continues to be no clear etiology, a liver biopsy should be strongly considered given the levels are 8 times normal.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Drinking alcohol at this stage would be a bad idea if there is no clear cause of the elevated enzymes. If there continues to be no clear etiology, a liver biopsy should be strongly considered given the levels are 8 times normal.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Member Comments (1)
by surgeon, Oct 20, 2003 12:00AM
depending on what the liver tests actually were, there are several things that might be needed, including liver biopsy or ERCP (an xray of the bile ducts, using a scope down the esophagus into the stomach). And this for sure: if I had abnormal liver tests, and no one knew why, I'd drink absolutely NO alcohol!!!! None.
